Jimmy White backs Ronnie O’Sullivan for historic eighth World Championship title
Jimmy White has thrown his support behind Ronnie O’Sullivan to secure a historic eighth World Championship crown at the Crucible, with the snooker legend providing his friend with top-class practice facilities to help make it happen, reports BritPanorama.
The 63-year-old, who reached six Crucible finals during his career, expects O’Sullivan to visit his venue, the Jimmy White Sports Lounge near Woking Football Club, in the coming weeks. White, who recently stated, “He will come in and practice because the facilities there are top draw,” emphasised the club’s quality, featuring a Star snooker table designed for exceptional performance as O’Sullivan prepares for his Sheffield campaign.
O’Sullivan, now 50 and residing in Dubai, must manage his UK visits carefully due to tax considerations. His recent performance at the World Open in Yushan saw him compile a remarkable 153 break in the quarter-finals, achieving a world record born of a free ball, though he ultimately fell to Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in the final. White expressed delight at O’Sullivan’s current form, remarking, “You know, you have got to make him favourite to get his eighth world title.”
Concerns about O’Sullivan’s age were dismissed by White, who noted, “People are going well, he’s 50 years old. But he’s the fittest guy on the circuit. He’s super fit and he’s playing some really fabulous stuff.” White also acknowledged the competitive landscape, stating, “The world championship is very open and very exciting. There are at least ten people who can win it.”
The Crucible’s status as the home of snooker’s premier event was recently secured, with confirmation that Sheffield will host the World Championship until at least 2045. This agreement, reached between the World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council, includes plans for 500 additional seats to be installed by 2030, allaying fears of a potential relocation to China or Saudi Arabia.
White welcomed this development enthusiastically, asserting, “Is it a good thing snooker stays at the Crucible? Absolutely. Certain things can’t be bought.” He compared the ongoing improvements to those seen at Wimbledon, suggesting that while accommodating growing demand, the venue’s character must be preserved.
With White’s insights and O’Sullivan’s preparations now in motion, the snooker community eagerly anticipates what could unfold in Sheffield. Amidst the excitement, it serves as a reminder of snooker’s enduring charm and the narratives that have shaped its history.
